OBITUARY

Theodore (Ted) Poole Crane Jr.

January 23, 1937 – February 23, 2014

Retired Champion International and International Paper Executive, Theodore Poole Crane, Jr. passed away peacefully on February 23, 2014 in Birmingham, Alabama after a long illness. He was 77. He was predeceased by his parents Theodore Poole Crane and Florence Morrow Crane, and Essie Porter Crane.
Mr. Crane is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Adkins Crane, his son Theodore Poole Crane III (Tammy) of Montgomery Alabama, and his daughter Anne Lanier Crane Olmstead of Atlanta Georgia, and five grandchildren Tyler Patrick Crane, Travis North Crane, Frances Porter Crane, Patrick Ryan Olmstead, and William Crane Olmstead. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Lawrence Crane (Barbara) of North Carolina, many cousins, nieces and nephews in Birmingham, Montgomery, and throughout the US.
Mr. Crane was a graduate of Auburn University, June 1958 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He served in the Army ROTC, and also attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He enjoyed a 45 year successful career with St. Regis Paper, Champion International, and International Paper when he retired as Executive Vice President for the company in 2000. He and his family lived in Suffern NY, Pensacola Florida, Jacksonville Florida, Stamford Connecticut, Newtown Connecticut, Greenville South Carolina, Waynesville North Carolina, and Birmingham Alabama.
Mr. Crane founded the Auburn University Pulp and Paper Foundation in 1988. He served as the first President and either as an officer or board member until his illness progressed in recent years. The Foundation has raised over $3 million and has awarded several hundred scholarships to students to the College of Engineering at Auburn University.
In 1989, Mr. Crane received the “Outstanding Alumni Award” from the College of Engineering at Auburn. He was elected and served on the Engineering Council in 1994. He received the “Distinguished Engineering Award” in 2003. He served on several boards including the Georgia Tech University Paper Research Foundation, Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI Fellow and former Chairman), Paper Industry Management Association (PIMA), West Florida Hospital, Junior Achievement, and was a Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow.
Mr. Crane was active at Canterbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham. He was a devout Christian and his faith was central to him. He served on the Church building committee, Church council, the Crawford Owen Sunday School class, and the Buddy Tingle Men’s Bible Study class. He and his wife Barbara were always very active in their Church. While living in Pensacola, Florida they served as the Youth Group coordinators at First United Methodist Church for many years and were affectionately known as “Daddy and Mama Crane” to the entire Church and its youth.
Ted Crane loved his family and friends beyond measure. He was quick to smile and tell a story, and had much wisdom to share beyond his years. He was honest and true, and hard working. He would have done or given anything to anyone in need. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Barbara, and spending time with his grandchildren at the beach and at their home on the lake. He played golf, tennis, enjoyed time with friends, and loved Auburn football.
Visitation will be on Friday, February 28th at Canterbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham (Mountain Brook) from 10-11:30am in the Church parlor with a memorial service immediately following in the Church sanctuary at 11:30am. A private graveside service will follow the memorial service for family at Oakhill Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Crane family would like to express their appreciation to the home health caregivers, Carla Harris and Gloria Powell who provided loving care and support to Mr. Crane during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama (P.O. Box 2273, Birmingham, Alabama 35201), Canterbury United Methodist Church (350 Overbrook Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35213), and to the Samual Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University (345 West Magnolia Avenue, Auburn, Alabama 36849).

REMEMBERING

Theodore (Ted) Poole Crane Jr.

Barbara,Just got word of Ted's passing and am sorely saddened. I know you'll miss him and so will so many others. He left a major footprint here on earth and of that you will be proud. Good and Godly man. You are both in our prayers.Russ and Pat Johnson

Bill Freuler

March 14, 2014

The Crane Family,Eudene and I are saddened to hear about Ted. I was fortunate to have worked with him during our time at Canton. Our Prayers and condolences go out to all of you.

Kay & Bill Pressley

March 1, 2014

Dear Barbara and family, We share your sorrow and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kay & Bill Pressley

Tommy Surles

March 1, 2014

Barbara, we have lost a very smart and intelligent person. Ted hired me into the mill at Pensacola in 1983 and we worked well together. He blessed me in many ways.We are saddened by his passing.Tommy and Jan Surles

March 1, 2014

Dear Barbara, So sorry to hear of Ted's passing. You two were so pleasant to be with whether on the golf course or tennis court. We always enjoyed being with you. God bless.John and Lynn Conley

Susan and Glenn Viers

February 28, 2014

Mrs. Crane, Anne, Patrick and Will-

We are very sorry to learn of Mr. Crane's passing. He was a delightful individual whose good humor made all those around him feel at ease. It is clear that he was a man of faith who loved his family dearly. Please know that your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Kathy Roberts

February 27, 2014

I am very sorry for your loss!

Bill Hollimon

February 27, 2014

Mrs. Crane, Ted, and Anne - reading the obituary brought back so many wonderful memories of Mr. Crane and all of you.

Paula Roberts Perry

February 27, 2014

Dear Ted and family,

So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Please know we keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Russ Johnson

February 27, 2014

Barbara,I am so sorry for your huge loss. Ted was man of the people. Always ready to listen and share his thoughts with anyone in care. A fine leader and good judge of folks. He leaves us with many great memories. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. God Bless You, Russ Johnson

Debra Wilkinson

February 27, 2014

Dear Barbara and family, Ted was the first Paper Mill Superintendent for whom I worked at the Pensacola Mill. He set such a high standard of applying oneself and being committed to the people, job and company. He is one of the top positive influences of my 40 years in the paper industry. Barbara, I have always admired your outgoing, always pleasant, southern lady style. I remember your smile and laughter. I enjoyed looking at the pictures in the album - such a beautiful family! I pray for God's peace that "passeth all understanding" for all of you.

Gene Whitley

February 27, 2014

Barbara, Linda and I want to express our sorrow for your loss. We got the email from your daughter which was well done. We miss being your neighbor but will always be friends. I hope we can make it to the service but Linda's Dad passed away yesterday so we are in the middle of that. Let me know if I can help you in any way.Gene Whitley

Donald English

February 27, 2014

Tet was a great leader and a man of faith. I am praying for his family to receive peace.

alice

February 27, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the family. Loosing a loved one is very difficult. May you be comforted knowing that God is always ready to comfort those broken at heart. Psalms 51:1

Samuel & Elsie Morrissette

February 27, 2014

Mrs. Crane, Ted and Anne please accept our sympathy.

Kaye Shores-Sears

February 26, 2014

Barbara and Teddy - we were neighbors in East Pensacola Heights. My dad was Pete Shores - he was a barber on the corner by Jerry's Drive-In. My mom saw this today and wanted me to let you know that we are thinking of you. We are so sorry for your loss and hope that you will be comforted by the wonderful memories that you have of such a special man.

Mark Jarrett

February 26, 2014

I am saddened today - Mr. Crane was like a second father to me when I little. I met Ted III in the second grade and spent many days and nights at their home. Great people. Mrs. Crane, Ted and Anne - Beth and I are very sorry for your loss.

Sharon Fritz

February 26, 2014

Anne, Ted and Mrs. Crane, Wishing you peace, courage and love at this difficult time. I will always hold a special place for Daddy Crane in my heart and will cherish all the memories forever.

Jim Reynolds

February 26, 2014

It saddens me to hear of Ted's passing. I have known Ted for many years and we were close friends. My very heartfelt condolences to Barbara and all of his family.

Gene Fuller

February 26, 2014

Ted was a fellow Auburn Grad that I worked with on a number of committees in the Auburn Engineering Council. He loved Auburn and was always positive and thoughtful in his contributions to our discussions My wife Sandra and I will truly miss seeing him and Barbara at future Auburn Events. He was also a great spokesman and supporter of the Pulp and Paper Industry and will be greatly missed. My condolences to Barbara nd his family.

Duncan McDavid

February 26, 2014

Ted was a fine man--a real Southern Gentleman. My Dad knew Ted well--they both had similar professions at different companies and were members of First Methodist Church here in Pensacola. I enjoyed both Ted & Barbara's company and had missed seeing them after they left Pensacola. Prayers to Barbara and family. All My Love, Dunc, Jr.

Scott Ramsey

Hugh Earnest

Ted was a wonderful friend to so many people, and he is sorely missed. Godspeed my friend. What a reunion must be taking place in heaven!

February 26, 2014

Barbara,Peggy and I were sad to learn of Ted's passing.

Fred

Sarah Jane Knott

February 26, 2014

Dearest Barbara and children,Ted was a real sweetheart...He was loved by all in our Sunday School class. Barbara you were an amazing wife...such an example for all of us.The Lord is with you. Much Love, Sarah Jane

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